SOCCER tactician John Hollins is set to move into Edgeley Park as help for beleaguered boss Carlton Palmer subject to the chairman agreeing a financial deal for him to see out the season.

The run of bad results has left manager Palmer feeling he needs help.

He has identified Hollins, Chelsea manager in the late eighties and a promotion winner with Swansea three years ago, as the man to provide it.

"I've always respected his tactical skills and his thoughtful approach to the game," he said. "I hope to have him for the rest of the season and we can take it from there."

The link-up between the two was obvious at Ashton Gate with Palmer frequently running from the dug-out to consult Hollins in the directors' box.

Beckett bang on target

A season's 23rd goal for Luke Beckett, a fine downward header from Kevin Ellison's outswinging cross from the left, saw County well on top early on.

Palmer thought they might have scored four or five in the first half. Bristol's manager Danny Wilson put it at two or three. All this began to change dramatically around the half-hour when Aaron Lescott picked up two yellow cards.

As Jon Daly dropped back, the sting went from the attack with Beckett left alone up front. He received some help later when Aaron Wilbraham was sent on, although his first game since April exposed a lack of match fitness.

It all led to a busy debut for Ola Tidman, the 23-year-old 'keeper from Sweden.He had no chance as Christian Roberts ran in City's equaliser early in the second half but impressed Palmer.

The best of his stops came deep in injury time when he dived to his left to deny Bristol's young striker Craig Fagan.